HOW TO MARKET YOUR BOOK AND YOURSELF — Finding Your Reader 3
BY GUEST BLOGGER: AMBER FRALEY
Congratulations! You have written a book, which is a huge accomplishment, and you should be proud.
But now what? While all authors dream of being on the bestseller list overnight, the truth is perhaps a little less glamorous, but still fulfilling.
Selling your book means selling yourself. Like it or not, you are a package deal, you and your book. Your reader not only wants to purchase your work, they likely want to be your fan. How do you accommodate them?
Once your book is published, have that launch party. This is an important one. Make sure you have a big space available, invite everyone you know, provide some snacks and drinks, and most importantly, order lots of books for your launch party! Depending on how dedicated you are to marketing yourself and your book, this may be your biggest selling opportunity. People love to know a book author! You may even be surprised at who comes out to support you.
Make opportunities to sell your book
Contact local bookstores. Many bookstores are open to hosting author signings or events, and then they’ll usually carry your book, as well. It’s best to call them during the week, in the morning when it’s less busy. Ask to speak to whomever schedules author events. Send a follow-up email with your information so you can keep in touch. There are several GREAT indie bookstores in Kansas.
Does your book have a history bent? Historical societies are great places to hold events or ask to carry your book for sale.
Libraries are another author-friendly venue. Many will allow you to book a room for an event, and some hold coordinated author events during the year.
Senior centers are also great places to hold events and sell your book, assuming your book appropriate for that audience, of course.
Are you shy about being part of events by yourself? Team up with another author!
Make yourself visible on social media. Even if you don’t update your author page all that often, having a Facebook or Instagram page at least gives people a place to find and message you. Make sure to include links to your book for purchase.
Join Goodreads.com. Sign up at Goodreads and submit your book to their site so that folks can find it and review it. Ask your friends to leave reviews.
Start a blog. Blogs are now easier to start than ever. Most of the software is user-friendly, looks good, and most blogging sites will even help drive traffic to your blog for you. There are now blogging platforms like Substack and Medium where it’s even possible to make a few dollars a month if you stick with it.
Having a blog may not help you sell many books, but again, it’s a way to build a readership, connect with fans, and put yourself out there as a “legit” writer. Blogs can be about ANYTHING you want. They don’t have to be like diary entries. You can publish short stories, essays, poems… you can even serialize your book on your blog! Be sure to provide links for purchase!
If you have more ideas for self-promotion, please let us know. We’d love to share your thoughts!
Keep Scratchin’
